GreatNonprofits News

Reviews for Teen Hype

I became aware of Teen HYPE a couple of years ago when invited to attend one of their productions. The organization made a lasting impression on my children as well as myself. We continue to attend these performances annually. The impact Teen HYPE has on their youth is innumerable. I've witnessed young people who were shy and timid come out of their shell, becoming outspoken and bold, as a direct result of being involved in this program. It is awe-inspiring. My son and I look forward to him becoming of age and being involved with Teen HYPE to benefit from all the organization has to offer.

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I joined Teen H.Y.P.E my Sophomore year of high school and have been a part of their family every since! As a Junior in college at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, I can honestly say I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Teen HYPE. I have a scholarship for Hip-Hop/ Theater and Spoken word when before joining Teen HYPE, I only had a few verses written in tattered notebooks and spoken word poetry just wasn't something I was doing. They encouraged me pursue both and playwriting and acting. They supported me immensely throughout my high school career and continue to do so even though I'm too old for the program. I recommend all of the youngstas I know from back home to join Teen HYPE. It's an environment they can be themselves and where their skills and interest will be honed (not to mention it keeps youth off the streets and promotes positivity). I don't know where I'd be without Teen HYPE. When I make my first million dollars, $100,000 is going to the program and they can hold me to that!

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Teen HYPE is an organization serving youth with heart, integrity, and commitment. As a founding Board member, I am proud of how the organization has grown while remaining faithful to its mission, and the youth we serve. The core staff, and new recruits alike take pride in their work, and strive every day to make the lives of Detroit youth better; that is worthy of celebration and praise. Whether attending the annual play, hanging out with parents and kids at the Thanksgiving dinner, serving refreshments, or attending a Board meeting, I am honored to be a part of the Teen HYPE family.

Will you tell others about this organization?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Prior to joining the board, my daughter begrudingly auditioned for Teen HYPE in 2009. A poet since age 5 she was shy about her talent and preferred to allow others to shine. However, Ms. Red, Mrs. Hudson and Ms. Joy were patient with her, and nurtured and encouraged her to share her gift with her peers and the community. The staff's positive influence has helped shape her leadership skills and opened the door to new friendships and connections with teens throughout the state and country that she otherwise may not have experienced without Teen HYPE. Today she speaks passionately about Teen HYPE, the staff and the organization's bright future. Teen HYPE is restoring hope to Metropolitan Detroit one teen at a time so come see what the HYPE is all about.

Will you tell others about this organization?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

When I was first introduced to Teen HYPE (Helping Youth by Providing Education), it was thanks to their executive director finding me on LinkedIn to help them rewrite their Web content. I knew the moment I started my research that this project would be an important experience for me professionally. What I did not expect was that it would turn out to be a significant personal journey as well. Based in Detroit, Teen HYPE offers programs for urban teens that are wholistic. They not only cover the logistics to make sure they're educating teens about how to lead positive and healthy lives, but beyond that, their staff and board members are personally devoted to helping each teen succeed. And the results are phenomenal. They've guided students through the most trying experiences urban youth can face: violence, addiction, neglect or abuse in the home, peer pressure leading to poor choices, and risk of HIV or teen pregnancy. When I bought their DVDs featuring the annual community plays their teens produce, I was able to see first-hand how their students understand the lessons that Teen HYPE teaches them on a cellular level. I was moved beyond words by the subject matter and the acting. Later, I flew to Detroit and volunteered at their HIV-prevention summer block party. There I met their staff, board members, and the teens on whom they have life-changing influence. It's incredible how teens who join Teen HYPE are forever a part of their family. They turn to the organization years after graduating for guidance on how to simply live life. It was an incredible day volunteering for Teen HYPE, and equally so as I had the honor to rewrite their Web content, promote their efforts in Chase Community Giving, and overall get to know them on a profound level. I believe with all my heart that Teen HYPE defines greatness. They make important and courageous contributions in a city that, these days anyway, the media rarely portrays in a positive light. What they're doing as we speak will have an impact on lives for generations to come. I can't say enough wonderful things about this organization. I truly love them and appreciate the impact they've had on my own heart and soul.

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Teen Hype is an excellent organization. Detroit needs a positive impact/inspiration for it's youth these days, now more than ever. As an alum, I know personally the influence that Teen Hype has on it's youth whether they are a part of the organization or witnessing their work. Such programs instill a sense of hope for the future. Promoting positive, healthy lifestyles was a way for me to meet other youth that shared my interests as well as build my own character through education and the performing arts. Its disheartening to hear a teen say they have never been to summer camp or a part of a youth group because I know the extensive amount of enrichment they have missed out on and the drastic effect that such groups as Teen Hype can have on a teen even years later when they have become a young adult like myself. May God bless Teen Hype and the live that they have changed and will continue to enrich.